Gravity reset target

ABSTRACT

A gravity reset target system that includes a target plate assembly that is removably engaged with a base plate assembly. The base plate assembly includes at least two parallel guide plates having grooves cut therein and the target plate assembly includes a target plate secured to a carrier piece having at least one guide rod. The guide rod of the carrier piece is inserted into the grooves in the guide plates to removably engage the target plate assembly with the base plate assembly. The target plate begins in a vertical resting position, rocks backward to a generally horizontal position when struck with a projectile, and then automatically returns to its vertical resting position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to provisional patent application having Ser. No. 61/247,475, filed Sep. 30, 2009, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Numerous target systems are commercially available for utilization during target practice. However, most existing target systems require tools for assembly, include parts that wear or break and need to be replaced, are difficult to move and transport, and are not easily interchangeable for use with different calibers of guns at different target distances. Accordingly, there is a need for a target system having strong and simple components that can be easily assembled, disassembled, and exchanged by hand and that can be easily moved and transported.

The target system of the present invention improves on existing automatic reset target systems of comparable size, function, and implementation in a number of ways. First, the target system of the present invention is a gravity reset target which pivots at the bottom rather than at the top thereby providing a more natural visual feedback motion. Second, the target incorporated in the target system of the present invention resets solely by the use of gravity and requires no springs which can weaken, break, and need to be replaced. Third, the target system of the present invention can be quickly assembled and disassembled by hand without requiring the use of tools for the quick changing of target shapes and weights, and for ease of transportation. Fourth, the design of the target system of the present invention incorporates a built in handle which makes it easy to carry and transport. Fifth, the target system of the present invention incorporates a target plate that can be quickly and easily changed to enable the target system to be used with different calibers of high powered rifles or hand guns at different target distances.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a gravity reset target system that includes a base plate assembly and a target plate assembly. The base plate assembly includes a base plate removably secured to the top of a shrapnel guard plate, two aligning rails secured parallel and apart from one another to the top of the base plate, and two guide plates each having a groove cut therein wherein each of the guide plates extend vertically upward from, and are secured to, the top of the base plate at a location inside the parallel aligning rails. The target plate assembly includes a target plate removably secured to a carrier piece having two parallel side panels and a guide rod which is positioned between, and rigidly secured to, each of the two parallel side panels and wherein the guide rod is removably inserted into the grooves cut into each of the guide plates in the base plate assembly.

In one exemplary embodiment, the target plate assembly of the gravity reset target system of the present invention further includes a backing plate removably secured to the carrier piece such that the carrier piece is positioned between the target plate and the backing plate.

In another exemplary embodiment, the parallel side panels of the carrier piece of the target plate assembly each comprise at least one rounded edge for rocking against the base plate of the base plate assembly. In one exemplary configuration, the parallel side panels of the carrier piece each comprise the shape of a piece of pie where the rounded edge of the pie piece rocks against the base plate of the base plate assembly. In another exemplary configuration, the carrier piece of the target plate assembly further comprises a front panel rigidly secured to the parallel side panels where the front panel is shorter in height than the parallel side panels. In addition, in one aspect of the invention, the parallel side panels and the front panel of the carrier piece may all be formed from one piece of metal that is bent or shaped to form a front panel and two parallel side panels.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the grooves cut into each of the guide plates of the base plate assembly each comprise an arrow shape pointing downward toward the base plate. The gravity reset target system of the present invention is created by placing the guide rod of the carrier piece of the target plate assembly within the grooves cut into each of the guide plates of the base plate assembly thereby allowing the carrier piece of the target plate assembly to rock against the base plate of the base plate assembly when a projectile hits the front of the target plate of the target plate assembly. The guide rod in the carrier piece of the target plate assembly is positioned at a first position within the downward pointing arrow shaped grooves in each of the guide plates when the target plate is in a resting position. This first position is at the top of a side of the downward pointing arrow shaped grooves located closest to the target plate. The guide rod in the carrier piece of the target plate assembly is positioned at a second position within the downward pointing arrow shaped grooves in each of the guide plates when the target plate is in a mid-stroke position after being hit with a projectile. This second position is at the tip or point of the downward pointing arrow shaped grooves. The guide rod in the carrier piece of the target plate assembly is positioned at a third position within the downward pointing arrow shaped grooves in each of the guide plates when the target plate is in a full-stroke or end position after being hit with a projectile. This third position is at a top of a side of the downward pointing arrow shaped grooves located opposite the first position. After the guide rod moves to the third position (i.e. after the target plate is hit backwards with a projectile as far as it will go), the carrier piece of the target assembly automatically rocks forward against the base plate, and the guide rod of the carrier piece returns to the first position within the downward pointing arrow shaped grooves, thereby returning the target plate of the target plate assembly to its first resting position.

In still another exemplary embodiment, the carrier piece of the target plate assembly further comprises at least one stiffening rod positioned between, and rigidly secured to, each of the parallel side panels of the carrier piece. The stiffening rods give stability and rigidity to the parallel side panels of the carrier piece.

In another exemplary embodiment, the base plate of the base plate assembly includes a handle opening located near an end of the base plate for carrying or transporting the base plate assembly. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the base plate of the base plate assembly further includes a plurality of anchor spike openings and the gravity reset target system of the present invention further includes a plurality of anchor spikes which are inserted through the plurality of anchor spike openings in the base plate to secure the gravity reset target system in place.

In one aspect of the invention, the target plate and the carrier piece of the target plate assembly may be removably secured to one another via a target plate bolt and nut where the bolt is inserted through at least one opening in the target plate and in turn through at least one opening in the front panel of the carrier piece. In another aspect of the invention, the base plate and the shrapnel guard plate of the base plate assembly may be removably secured to one another with a shrapnel guard bolt that is inserted through an opening in the base plate and in turn through an opening in the top of the shrapnel guard plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the base plate assembly of the gravity reset target system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the base plate assembly of the gravity reset target system of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 along with a top plan view of the base plate;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the target plate assembly of the gravity reset target system of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the target plate assembly of the gravity reset target system of the present invention shown in FIG. 3 along with side, end, and isometric views of the carrier piece;

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the gravity reset target system of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the gravity reset target system of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the gravity reset target system of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view of the gravity reset target system of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the gravity reset target system of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a series of side cross-sectional views of the gravity reset target system of the present invention shown in three different positions during its operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The gravity reset target system of the present invention generally provides a gravity reset target system that has strong and simple components that can be easily assembled, disassembled, and exchanged by hand, and that can be easily moved and transported. The gravity reset target system of the present invention includes a target or target plate that rocks backward to a generally horizontal position when struck with a projectile. The gravity reset target system of the present invention generally includes a base plate assembly and a target plate assembly which are easily and quickly removably engaged with one another to form the gravity reset target system of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of a base plate assembly 10 of the gravity reset target system of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the base plate assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1 along with a top plan view of the base plate. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, base plate assembly 10 includes a base plate 12 that is removably secured to a shrapnel guard plate 14. In this exemplary embodiment, the base plate 12 is removably secured to the shrapnel guard plate 14 with a shrapnel guard bolt 16 that is inserted through openings 13 in the base plate 12 and in turn through openings 15 in the top of shrapnel guard plate 14. The base plate assembly 10 further includes two aligning rails 18 which are secured parallel and apart from one another to the top of the base plate 12 (See FIGS. 8 and 9) and two guide plates 20 each having a groove 22 cut therein where each guide plate 20 extends vertically upward from, and is secured to, the top of the base plate 12 at a location just inside the two aligning rails 18 such that the guide plates 20 are also in parallel alignment with one another (See FIGS. 8 and 9). Further, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, base plate 12 includes two parallel slots 24 cut therethrough for receiving the two guide plates 20. Guide plates 20 are inserted within half of the thickness of the base plate 12 and welded from the bottom with a very hot arc. This results in an extremely strong and seam-free joint which also leaves the appearance of a clean weld-free finish on the top of the base plate 12.

A side elevational view of an exemplary target plate assembly 30 of the gravity reset target system of the present invention is shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the target plate assembly 30 shown in FIG. 3 along with a side view, end view, and isometric view of the carrier piece 34 of the target plate assembly 30. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, target plate assembly 30 includes a target plate 32 and a carrier piece 34 which are removably secured to one another with target plate bolt 36 and target plate nut 38. Further, in the exemplary embodiment of the target plate assembly 30 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the target plate assembly 30 also includes a backing plate 40 removably secured to the carrier piece 34 so that the carrier piece 34 is positioned between the target plate 30 and the backing plate 40.

FIG. 4 also shows a side view, an end view, and an isometric view of one exemplary embodiment of the carrier piece 34. In the exemplary embodiment of the carrier piece 34 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, carrier piece 34 includes two parallel side panels 42 and a guide rod 44 which is positioned between, and rigidly secured to, each of the two parallel side panels 42 (also See FIGS. 8 and 9). The guide rod 44 is securely and permanently welded to the parallel side panels 42 of the carrier piece 34. The two parallel side panels 42 of the carrier piece 34 each have a rounded edge 45 for rocking against the base plate 12 when the target plate 32 is hit with a projectile. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-4, parallel side panels 42 comprise a shape similar to a piece of a pie where the rounded edge 45 of each pie piece shape is capable of rocking against the base plate 12 when the target plate 32 is hit with a projectile. In addition, parallel side panels 42 of carrier piece 34 may include a notch 47 that aids in ensuring that target plate 32 returns to a vertical position in relation to base plate 12 such that it does not rock forward and away from base plate 12. Carrier piece 34 also includes two stiffening rods 46 which, like the guide rod 44, are also positioned between, and rigidly secured to, each of the two parallel side panels 42, and a front panel 48 rigidly secured to the parallel side panels where the front panel 48 is shorter in height than the parallel side panels 42. In addition, the front panel 48 and the two parallel side panels 42 may be comprised of one piece of strong metal that is shaped or formed into a configuration which has a front panel and two parallel side panels.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the base plate assembly 10 and the target plate assembly 30 are shown removably engaged with one another to create the gravity reset target system 50 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the gravity reset target system 50 of the present invention. The target plate assembly 30 and the base plate assembly 10 are removably engaged with one another by inserting the guide rod 44 of the carrier piece 34 of the target plate assembly 30 into the grooves 22 of both of the two guide plates 20 of the base plate assembly 10. In the exemplary embodiment of the guide plates 20 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 7 and 10, the grooves 22 cut into the guide plates 20 comprise the shape of a downward pointing arrow. As shown in FIG. 5, when the target plate 32 is in a resting position prior to being hit with a projectile, the guide rod 44 is positioned within a first position in the downward pointing arrow shaped grooves 22 which are located at a top of the side of the downward pointing arrow shaped grooves 22 located closest to the target plate 32.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the gravity reset target system 50 of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows target plate 32 which is removably secured to the carrier piece (not shown) via target plate bolts 36. In the exemplary embodiment of the gravity reset target system shown in FIG. 6, target plate 32 has two openings therethrough positioned near a bottom of the target plate 32 and the front panel 48 of the carrier piece 34 has two openings therethrough (See isometric view in FIG. 4) and the backing plate 40 has two openings therethrough (not shown). The two openings in the target plate 32 are aligned with the two openings in the front panel 48 of the carrier piece 34 (See isometric view in FIG. 4) which are in turn aligned with the two openings in the backing plate 40 before the target plate 32 is secured to the carrier piece 34 which is in turn secured to the backing plate 40. While the target plate assembly 30 can be taken apart, it is not intended to be regularly disassembled. In one exemplary embodiment, the target plate assembly is assembled with both physical and chemical thread lockers that require significant heat and force to remove the nuts from the bolts. The strong and secure assembly of the components of the target plate assembly 30 ensure that the target plate assembly is kept together when the forces resulting from high caliber rifle strikes hit the target plate 32. If a user desires to change the target plate with a target having a different shape and/or weight, the target is easily replaced by removing the guide rods 44 of the carrier piece 34 of the target plate assembly from the grooves 22 of the guide plates 20 of the base plate assembly, and replacing the entire target plate assembly with a different target plate assembly which includes a target plate having a different shape and/or weight. The new target plate assembly is then removably engaged with the base plate assembly just as the prior target plate assembly was removably engaged with the base plate assembly.

FIG. 6 also shows the base plate 12 and the shrapnel guard plate 14 of the base plate assembly. Once the base plate assembly 10 is assembled (See FIGS. 1 and 2), the only removable components of the base plate assembly 10 are the shrapnel guard plate 14 and the base plate 12. The shrapnel guard plate 14 is removed from the base plate 12 by removing two small shrapnel guard bolts 16 (See FIG. 8). The shrapnel guard plate 14 is intended to be replaced over time.

A side elevational view of the gravity reset target system 50 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 7. This figure differs from that shown in FIG. 5 in that FIG. 7 shows a side elevational view of the outside of the gravity reset target system 50 while FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional side view which shows an internal side view of the gravity reset target system 50 of the present invention. Like FIG. 5, FIG. 7 shows target plate 32 in a first resting position prior to being hit with a projectile. As previously mentioned with reference to FIG. 1, two aligning rails 18 are secured parallel and apart from one another to the top of the base plate 12. One preferred way to secure the aligning rails 18 is to weld them directly to the base plate 12. The purpose of the aligning rails 18 is to prevent the target plate assembly 30 from twisting on the base plate 12 when areas of the target plate 32 other than the direct center of the target plate 32 are hit with a projectile. Furthermore, during use of the gravity reset target system 50 of the present invention, dirt and debris tend to splash up onto the base plate 12 which could in turn cause the target plate assembly to move askew during operation. The aligning rails 18 assist in preventing that from happening. In addition, in one exemplary embodiment, the aligning rails 18 comprise a round rod (See FIG. 8) which allows a relief area for any dirt or debris that is splashed onto the base plate 12 so that the dirt and/or debris does not jam up or lock up the rocking action of the target plate 32 that is secured to the carrier piece 34.

FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view of the gravity reset target system 50 of the present invention which clearly shows the guide rod 44 and the stiffening rods 46 of an exemplary embodiment of the carrier piece 34. The guide rod 44 of the carrier piece 34 is inserted into the grooves of each of the two guide plates 20 of the base plate assembly 10 thereby removably engaging the target plate assembly 30 with the base plate assembly 10.

A top plan view of the gravity reset target system 50 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, one exemplary embodiment of the base plate 12 may also include a handle opening 60 for carrying or transporting the base plate assembly 10. Base plate 12 may further include a plurality of anchor spike openings 62 and the gravity reset target system 50 of the present invention may also include a plurality of anchor spikes 64 which can be inserted through the plurality of anchor spike openings 62 in the base plate 12 to anchor or secure the gravity reset target system 50 in place during use

FIG. 10 is a series of side cross-sectional views of the gravity reset target system 50 of the present invention shown in three different positions during its operation. In position A, gravity reset target system 50 of the present invention is in a first resting position prior to the target plate 32 being hit with a projectile. The guide rod 44 of the carrier piece 34 which is inserted into the downward arrow shaped grooves 22 of the guide plates 20 is also in a first position within grooves 22. The first position of guide rod 44 within downward arrow shaped grooves 22 is at a top of the side of the downward pointing arrow shaped grooves 22 that is located closest to the target plate 32. In position B, gravity reset target system 50 of the present invention is in a second position where target plate 32 has been hit with a projectile and target plate 32 and carrier piece 34 are in a mid-stroke position of being rocked back against base plate 12 of base plate assembly 10. The guide rod 44 of the carrier piece 34 which is inserted into the downward arrow shaped grooves 22 of the guide plates 20 is also in a second position within grooves 22. The second position of guide rod 44 within downward arrow shaped grooves 22 is at a tip or point of the downward pointing arrow shaped grooves 22. In position C, gravity reset target system 50 of the present invention is in a third position where target plate 32 has been hit with a projectile and target plate 32 and carrier piece 34 are in a full-stroke or end stroke position of being rocked back against base plate 12 of base plate assembly 10 until target plate 32 is in an almost horizontal position. The guide rod 44 of the carrier piece 34 which is inserted into the downward arrow shaped grooves 22 of the guide plates 20 is also in a third position within grooves 22. The third position of guide rod 44 within downward arrow shaped grooves 22 is at a top of the side of the downward pointing arrow shaped grooves 22 located opposite the first position of the guide rod 44.

As previously described above, the guide rod 44 is strongly and permanently secured to the parallel side panels 42 of the carrier piece 34 so that the guide rod does not move or become dislodged within the carrier after being slammed against the stops in the guide plates 20 and provides to limit the travel of the target plate assembly 30 after the target plate 32 is hit with a projectile. The guide rod 44 supplies rigidity to the parallel side panels 42 of the carrier piece 34 and works in conjunction with the guide plates 20 to limit the travel of the target plate assembly 30 to its travel limits. In addition, due to the angle of the grooves (i.e. the downward arrow shaped grooves 22 in one exemplary embodiment) in the guide plates 20, the guide rod 44 and guide plates 20 prevent the target plate assembly 30 from sliding or being pushed rearward on the base plate assembly 10 when the target plate 32 is struck by a projectile. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that other configurations of grooves may be cut into the guide plates 20 that would be capable of enabling the same travel limiting functions when the guide rod 44 is engaged with the grooves in the guide plates 20. In addition, the weight, size, shape, and/or position of the target plate 32 may be changed in alternative target plate assemblies that can be removably exchanged with one another within the base plate assembly. For example, the position of target plate 32 may be adjusted in order to change the force required to knock back or rock back target plate 32. This could be achieved by positioning target plate 32 vertically higher on carrier piece 34 which would result in less force being required to knock back target plate 32 toward base plate 12.

The detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention herein shows various exemplary embodiments and the best modes, known to the inventor at this time, of the invention. These exemplary embodiments and modes are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following disclosure is intended to teach both the implementation of the exemplary embodiments and modes and any equivalent modes or embodiments that are known or obvious to those reasonably skilled in the art. Additionally, all included figures are non-limiting illustrations of the exemplary embodiments and modes, which similarly avail themselves to any equivalent modes or embodiments that are known or obvious to those reasonably skilled in the art.

Other combinations and/or modifications of structures; arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials, or components used in the practice of the instant invention, in addition to those not specifically recited, can be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters, or other operating requirements without departing from the scope of the instant invention and are intended to be included in this disclosure.

Unless specifically noted, it is the Applicant's intent that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given the commonly accepted generic meaning or an ordinary and accustomed meaning used by those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. In the instance where these meanings differ, the words and phrases in the specification and the claims should be given the broadest possible, generic meaning. If any other special meaning is intended for any word or phrase, the specification will clearly state and define the special meaning. 

1. A gravity reset target system comprising: a base plate assembly including a base plate removably secured to a top of a shrapnel guard plate, two aligning rails secured parallel and apart from one another to a top of the base plate, and two guide plates each having a groove cut therein, each guide plate extending vertically upward from, and secured to, the top of the base plate at a location inside the parallel aligning rails; and a target plate assembly including a target plate removably secured to a carrier piece having two parallel side panels and a guide rod which is positioned between, and rigidly secured to, each of the two parallel side panels wherein the guide rod is removably inserted into the grooves cut into each of the guide plates.
 2. The gravity reset target system of claim 1 wherein the target plate assembly further comprises a backing plate removably secured to the carrier piece such that the carrier piece is positioned between the target plate and the backing plate.
 3. The gravity reset target system of claim 1 wherein the parallel side panels of the carrier piece each comprise at least one rounded edge for rocking against the base plate.
 4. The gravity reset target system of claim 3 wherein the two parallel side panels each comprise a shape similar to a piece of pie where the rounded edge of each pie piece shape is capable of rocking against the base plate.
 5. The gravity reset target system of claim 3 wherein the carrier piece further comprises a front panel rigidly secured to the parallel side panels where the front panel is shorter in height than the parallel side panels.
 6. The gravity reset target system of claim 5 wherein the parallel side panels and the front panel are formed from one piece of metal.
 7. The gravity reset target system of claim 1 wherein the grooves cut into the guide plates each comprise an arrow shape with the arrow shape pointing downward toward the base plate.
 8. The gravity reset target system of claim 5 wherein the target plate includes at least one opening therethrough and the front panel of the carrier piece includes at least one opening therethrough so that the target plate is removably secured to the carrier piece by a target plate bolt inserted through the openings in both the target plate and front panel of the carrier piece which is in turn secured in place by a target plate nut.
 9. The gravity reset target system of claim 1 wherein the base plate has an opening therethrough and the shrapnel guard plate has an opening therethrough so that the base plate is removably secured to the top of the shrapnel guard plate by a shrapnel guard bolt inserted through the openings.
 10. The gravity reset target system of claim 1 wherein the carrier piece further comprises at least one stiffening rod positioned between, and rigidly secured to, each of the parallel side panels.
 11. The gravity reset target system of claim 7 wherein the guide rod is positioned at a first position within the downward pointing arrow shaped grooves in each of the guide plates when the target plate is in a resting position, wherein the first position is at a top of a side of the downward pointing arrow shaped grooves located closest to the target plate.
 12. The gravity reset target system of claim 11 wherein the guide rod is positioned in a second position within the downward pointing arrow shaped grooves in each of the guide plates when the target plate is in a mid-stroke position after being hit with ammunition, wherein the second position is at a tip or point of the downward pointing arrow shaped grooves.
 13. The gravity reset target system of claim 12 wherein the guide rod is positioned in a third position within the downward pointing arrow shaped grooves in each of the guide plates when the target plate is in a full-stroke position after being hit with ammunition, wherein the third position is at a top of a side of the downward pointing arrow shaped grooves located opposite the first position.
 14. The gravity reset target system of claim 1 wherein the base plate includes a handle opening located near an end of the base plate for carrying the base plate assembly.
 15. The gravity reset target system of claim 1 wherein the base plate further includes a plurality of anchor spike openings.
 16. The gravity reset target system of claim 15 further comprising a plurality of anchor spikes which are inserted through the plurality of anchor spike holes in the base plate to secure the gravity reset target system in place.
 17. The gravity reset target system of claim 1 wherein the two parallel side panels of the carrier piece each have a notch therein.
 18. The gravity reset target system of claim 1 wherein the target plate assembly can be removably exchanged with alternative target plate assemblies having target plates that are different in at least one of weight, shape, size, and position relative to the carrier piece. 